PBS's signature (and multi-award-winning) natural-history series uses gifted wildlife documentarians and stunning photography to reveal what its first host, Donald Johanson, called `the magic and mystery of the fascinating natural world.' The series has ga (more…)PBS's signature (and multi-award-winning) natural-history series uses gifted wildlife documentarians and stunning photography to reveal what its first host, Donald Johanson, called `the magic and mystery of the fascinating natural world.' The series has garnered numerous prizes, including the Sierra Club Award; and both an Emmy and a Peabody in 1987 for `A Season in the Sun,' a memorable portrait of East Africa by Alan and Joan Root. Its first show was the lyrical `Flight of the Condor.'

For centuries, the mysterious nighttime lives and uncanny hunting skills of owls have made them fascinating hallmarks of children’s stories and folk tales the world over. But what actually makes owls so special? Bird trainers Lloyd and Rose Buck and their very special family of owls, eagles, falcons, geese, pigeons, and two newly-hatched barn owls – Luna and Lily – provide a rare opportunity to learn more about these unique birds. Using the latest in camera technology, computer graphics, x-rays and super-sensitive microphones, we can take a brand new look at owls in more detail than ever before. The real stories behind how they hunt, how their vision and hearing works, and how they fly so silently are influencing 21st century technology and design.

In the heart of the Antarctic Peninsula there’s a unique British post office surrounded by jaw-dropping scenery including 3,000 Gentoo penguins. You will see their four-month drama unfold against the backdrop of their lives–primarily, cruise ships with enthusiastic tourists to photograph the penguins, and buy postcards to send to friends and family around the world–from the Penguin Post Office.

As the ice shrinks in the Arctic, polar bears are struggling to survive in a fast melting world. Although classified a marine mammal, the polar bear is not adapted to hunting in the water. And it is certainly no match for the world’s greatest aquatic hunter — the killer whale. In the last few years, scientists have noted an ever-growing number of killer whales in Arctic waters in the summer months. More and more have been attracted to these hunting grounds by the growing expanse of open water. They attack the same prey as the polar bears: seals, narwhal, belugas and bowhead whales.

Sloths, once largely ignored, have become a hot topic of scientific researchers. Sanctuaries and rehabilitation centers are also springing up, as development often displaces these gentle creatures. Filmed in Panama, Costa Rica and Colombia, this is a story of friendship between a journalist and the sloth she named Velcro and a network of people working to learn more about sloths in order to protect them.

Naturalist James Prosek examines the freshwater eel, sharing what's known about its behavior while detailing how it's become the center of a multibillion dollar business—Japan alone consumes 130,000 tons of eel a year. In Maine, baby eels are caught in t (more…)Naturalist James Prosek examines the freshwater eel, sharing what's known about its behavior while detailing how it's become the center of a multibillion dollar business—Japan alone consumes 130,000 tons of eel a year. In Maine, baby eels are caught in the early spring as they make their way upstream from the sea; they're then shipped to China, where they're raised to maturity and distributed to the rest of the world.

Naturalist James Prosek examines the freshwater eel, sharing what's known about its behavior while detailing how it's become the center of a multibillion dollar business—Japan alone consumes 130,000 tons of eel a year. In Maine, baby eels are caught in t (more…)Naturalist James Prosek examines the freshwater eel, sharing what's known about its behavior while detailing how it's become the center of a multibillion dollar business—Japan alone consumes 130,000 tons of eel a year. In Maine, baby eels are caught in the early spring as they make their way upstream from the sea; they're then shipped to China, where they're raised to maturity and distributed to the rest of the world.

Naturalist James Prosek examines the freshwater eel, sharing what's known about its behavior while detailing how it's become the center of a multibillion dollar business—Japan alone consumes 130,000 tons of eel a year. In Maine, baby eels are caught in t (more…)Naturalist James Prosek examines the freshwater eel, sharing what's known about its behavior while detailing how it's become the center of a multibillion dollar business—Japan alone consumes 130,000 tons of eel a year. In Maine, baby eels are caught in the early spring as they make their way upstream from the sea; they're then shipped to China, where they're raised to maturity and distributed to the rest of the world.